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Employees, physicians and volunteers recognized for their service before Memorial Day holiday

SACRAMENTO, May 21, 2015 –Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center held a special ceremony today honoring the memories of all who have died on behalf of our country, and also recognized employees, physicians and volunteers who are active duty personnel or military veterans.

Dozens of military honorees and family members were presented with commemorative “challenge coins” during a noontime ceremony recognizing their service to our country.

The ceremony leading into the Memorial Day weekend provided Kaiser Permanente employees, physicians and volunteers with an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives serving our country.

The keynote speaker was Charlene Taylor, the hospital’s former chief operating officer who now is chair of the California Veterans Board.

A Del Campo High School honor guard, Air Force Junior ROTC CA-863rd Cadet Group, under the direction of Chief Master Sergeant Lacuesta-Siroin, also participated: The group retired the flag that flies outside the Morse Avenue hospital and replaced it with a flag that had previously flown at the U.S. Capitol, which was provided by Rep. Doris Matsui.

Kaiser Permanente is holding ceremonies at medical centers throughout Northern California to honor the memories of all who have died on behalf of our country, and to recognize veterans of past wars as well as active-duty military personnel.

“As we enter Memorial Day weekend, we remember and honor service members who have fought and died for the freedoms we have today,” said Ron Groepper, the senior vice president and area manager for Sacramento. “A number of employees here have served our country, and others have family members who have served or are serving. We are so proud of our veterans, and pay special tribute to them.”